What’s stopping people from accessing treatment for substance use and mental health disorders? We break them down and offer some solutions.
In 2022, more than 5 million Canadians over the age of 15 were diagnosed with a mood, anxiety, or substance use disorder. Yet only a small portion of those sought the substance abuse treatment they needed to get better. Why?
Deciding to seek treatment is one of the bravest steps a person can take. It’s a decision filled with hope, but it’s also one that can feel overwhelming when faced with barriers, including financial challenges, stigma attached to drugs and alcohol, or geographical constraints. But there are ways to overcome them. Addressing these complex and valid barriers requires understanding, compassion, and a collective commitment to creating a more accessible and supportive system.
Let’s look at the barriers to treatment for addiction and mental health disorders and how to overcome them.
I’m Not Ready for Treatment
The Barrier: Admitting to yourself that you are struggling and need help is a very hard step to make. Alternatively, knowing that you are struggling isn’t always synonymous with being ready for treatment.
How to Overcome It: Talk to people who’ve been through treatment. You will likely find that they were experiencing some of the same worries and emotions you are but eventually came to know that seeking treatment was the best thing they could do for themselves.
I Don’t Think I Can Afford Treatment
The Barrier: The price of an inpatient treatment program includes your stay at the facility, all your meals during that time, and the therapy and medical care from an entire team of medical professionals. And it does all add up.
While some insurance providers do cover this type of treatment, many others do not. That puts the financial responsibility on the patients and their loved ones.
How to Overcome It: Contact your insurance providers to see what, if any, coverage you have. Be sure to ask about any restrictions, high deductibles, and limits to coverage.
Virtual treatment, like that offered by EHN Canada, is a more affordable treatment option, especially for those whose symptoms are not as severe, and also have work and family obligations that can make inpatient treatment impossible.
If these options don’t help, you can explore low-cost or free treatment offered by some non-profit and government organizations.
I’m Afraid of What People Will Think of Me
The Barrier: Fear of judgement from family and friends or concerns about losing their jobs often stops people from seeking treatment even if they know they need help.
While some progress has been made, we still have a long way to go to dismantle the stigma around addiction and mental health disorders. A study by the Mental Health Commission of Canada found that 95% of people with a mental health or substance use disorder indicated that they have been impacted by stigma in the past five years.
How to Overcome It: Prepare yourself for open, honest, and informative discussions. Many people still cling to dated ideas about addiction and mental health disorders. But if you bring the facts to the conservations, you can play a part in changing opinions.
Knowing that addiction and mental health disorders are influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors — and not moral failure — is a big step towards breaking down the stigma. Also, know that the more people that come forward with their stories of struggle and recovery the more attitudes will change.
I Don’t Live Near an Inpatient Facility
The Barrier: For those who are experiencing severe symptoms of substance use or mental health disorders, or require detox, inpatient treatment may be the best option. But for those who live in rural or underserved regions, there isn’t always a facility nearby.
Others may want to seek treatment far from home in order to focus on their recovery or to maintain their confidentiality.
How to Overcome It: There have been a growing number of treatment options to help those who live in rural areas that have become available in recent years. Between teletherapy, treatment apps, and virtual outpatient programs it has become more accessible and affordable to receive treatment than ever before.
Local governments have been partnering with healthcare organizations to offer more attainable options for the whole population, rather than just those that live in city centres and dense areas. For example, Prince Edward Island has launched the “Rural and Small-Town Peer Outreach Project”, and EHN Canada has partnered with the Saskatchewan Health Authority to provide affordable or free addiction treatment. Look into local government treatment options, and there may be an initiative for your province.
I Can’t Wait For Treatment
The Barrier: Some people have the financial means and the readiness to enter inpatient treatment, but then find that facilities have long wait lists, especially government-funded options. So, now what?
How to Overcome It: If treatment is urgent, there are options. Consider facilities that might be a little farther away from home but have space available. Or look into virtual options that usually don’t have wait times.
If You’re Struggling, Don’t Wait to Find Help
Financial, social, and personal barriers to getting treatment are very real, but they’re not insurmountable. The right resources, options, and guidance can all help you on your way to recovery.
If you’re seeking addiction or mental health treatment and want to talk about your options, call us at 1-866-963-6343 or fill out our form and we will reach out to you soon.
